Iran: With whom to engage?

Last week, I had the opportunity to address over forty members of the United States Congress with the goal to encourage their recognition of the importance of engaging the Iranian people and their ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy.

I began my remarks by asking, "If the U.S. is to continue to assert engagement as the path forward in the case of Iran, whom precisely should the engagement be with?"

The answer: the "Green Movement" of the Iranian people.

If the U.S. supports the Iranian people in their struggle for democracy -- for human rights and liberties -- it will empower their movement, catalyzing their success. And in so doing, the West will find its solution to nuclear proliferation: democracy itself. It is only in a democratic Iran where the international community will find a trustworthy, transparent and accountable counterpart.

I am and have always been opposed to any military action against my homeland. But it is also clear that any diplomatic efforts deprived of appropriate pressure points would be toothless, thus incapable of producing the desired results. In hopes of providing U.S. lawmakers with tangible guidance on Iran, I offered a three-pronged combination of measures that offers the best prospects for long-term stability: (1) a more vociferous support for the Green Movement's legitimate calls for human rights and democracy; (2) targeted sanctions against the individual financial power of the regime's leadership; and (3) serious commitment, support and work to increase communications into Iran, out of Iran, and within Iran.

Similar to my discussions with members of the French National Assembly, the British House of Commons and the European Parliament, I detailed this strategy by urging the Members of the U.S. Congress to embrace their greatest ally against nuclear proliferation: the Iranian people. The Iranian people have loudly and unequivocally vocalized their demands for a democratic system of government, which by definition will be transparent, responsible and accountable. Solidarity from world leaders sustains the momentum they need in their campaign for the establishment of freedom and democracy at home, and peace and stability in the region. I cannot imagine any achievable sanctions that could create pressures commensurate with what the people of Iran have already demonstrated.

I, along with most Iranians, was quite disheartened to learn that earlier this month, the U.S. State Department had denied all funding to a human rights center, as well as an online Farsi-English journal of democracy, both of which focused on Iran.

It is simply counterintuitive for America -- at this critical moment in Iran's history -- to deflate, through such actions, the hopes and aspirations of the Iranian people. It is exactly what the clerical regime wants: a confidence builder in its usage of an iron fist against a citizenry that has so courageously withstood the blows of wielding clubs, chains and untold rape and torture.

As Iranian democracy activists remind us, "There is a reason protesters hold signs written in English on the streets in Iran. They are not just practicing their language skills!"

As I confer with international opinion and policy makers, I regularly make the emphasis, as I did with members of the U.S. Congress, on the importance of targeted personalized sanctions against the regime's leadership and individual private financial fiefdoms, rather than the Iranian people. The imposition of smart sanctions that specifically target the assets of key decision makers, and the means of the Revolutionary Guards to oppress the people, can prove effective. The critical goal, however, must be to weaken the financial power of the oppressive forces inside Iran. Clearly, if the West is to enforce new sanctions, those sanctions must be intrinsically tied to the Green Movement's outcry for freedom.

As with so many fronts in this modern-era, at the end, it is all about communications. I encourage investment in technologies that increase communication with the Iranian people. America in particular needs to increase the available mediums of dialogue with the Iranian people by strengthening the ability of the Iranian people to access news and information and to overcome the electronic censorship and monitoring efforts of the Iranian regime.

This renewed dialogue would allow the world to demonstrate its solidarity with the democracy-seeking Iranian people. It would also improve the accuracy of the information received from Iran. But perhaps most importantly, improving these technologies would allow the Green Movement within Iran to communicate, organize and mobilize much more efficiently.

Finally, I regularly remind my audiences that history has taught us that the democratic process must come to fruition as a result of an internal discourse. In the meantime, the international community must stand in solidarity with the people of Iran through a palpable commitment to their struggle.

By supporting the Iranian Green Movement and the people's legitimate quest for human rights and democracy; sanctioning the financial strength of Iran's leadership; and improving communications technologies, we shall provide a solution that not only works for the free world, but also for my compatriots, and even perhaps the region at large.

 

Comments

[MARNIE2]

GREAT POST....but sad to say it might fall on deaf ears in our Govt. ......all they seem to have
the dreamers disease .when it comes to IRAN ....sleepy-eye ...policys ! To what good has the
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN ...offered up .... ? maybe .....volence ..torture.­.inprisonm­ent ..executions...
rape...currption... 8yr. Iraq war ! ..SHAME ELECTION'S­.....POWER GRAB !!!!
....LOSTED PROSPERITY FOR THE IRANIAN PEOPLE.....THE REVOLUTION'S EYE WAS ON STILL IS ON A THE NUCLEAR PRIZE ...BOMB ! THE IRANIAN PEOPLE ARE TO BE THE .... ECONMIC SACRIFICE..... ! [SANCTION ]....CAUSE OF GOVT.'S HELL-BENT ON GOING NUCLEAR DREAM.....END TIMES......BO WHO !!!! ..........­..........­.........I­RAN COULD HAVE BEEN A THRIVING SUCCESS ! ..WITH THE RIGHT LEADER SHIP IT STILL CAN BE ..........­..REFORMER­S... ?

[Suzie Soltani]

It is good to bear in mind that yesterday November 4th, the Iranian people were chanting in the streets, "Obama...are you with us or with them?" and "Death to the Dictators" does this sound like people who do want the mullahs to continue to kill their children....or America to leave them alone? We ignore these people and deal with the devils who abuse and torment them at our peril. When did my party, the Democratic Party, stop caring about human rights. Right on RP! Keep it up! You are the only one it appears who is not towing the line for the IRI. President Obama, are you listening? Are you with them or their abusers, Sir? Say it isn't so Sir........you were the change we believed in.

[StMTraveler]

Progressive Iranian Movement

Our past political mistakes, and financial burdens we have placed on the Iranian people will not advance our long term American interests. To assist the Progressive movement in Iran, allow a greater exchange between the two societies, remove the burdens placed on the Iranian people by economic sanctions and restrictions. It is foolish to punish the people for our disagreements with their government. By removing the burden, we allow change in demographics of Iran toward a larger middle class; thus, it will shift the internal Iranian policy from Traditionalists toward the Progressives. We must support the Iranian Progressives. The Progressives are young, better educated and often the middle class segment of the Iranian population. Iranian Traditionalist (religious, very nationalistic, often poor, and under educated) voted for re-election of Ahmadinejad.

We will not advance our American interests, or the Progressive Iranian movement, by listening to those who advocate a more aggressive policy toward Iran.

[wereeverywhere]

The green movement is also against sanctions and (of course) bombings and war from the US or its client state in the region.

[StMTraveler]

What do we Americans want from Iran?
We are a diverse society of nearly 300 million people with wide spectrum of opinions on any subject. Even a simple issue as healthcare has created difficulty for our nation. We have a fault line running through our nation, blue and red line states. We are a nation with a rich history of democracy, but we still have great difficulty with our two party system. We don't agree on many issues including what constitutes a democratic system free from the red and blue line. Our system of government is not marked in the stone; it has gone through many evolutions such as addition of the Bill of Rights. We still have way to go toward a perfect union.
Iran has a taken a baby step toward democracy by ousting the autocratic monarchy and creating a representative system with many flaws yet to be resolved.
We will not advance our American interests, or the Progressive Iranian movement, by listening to those who advocate a more aggressive policy toward Iran. The article by CBS News: Why Obama's Iran Policy Will Fail article is right on the target. Dilip Hiro states: "The Administration Remains Stuck in Bush Mode in a Changed World:
“http://straveler-myamerica.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html
Our representative in the Congress must stop the hideous play of hypocrisy and face the facts in the Middle East.

[Quinterius]

Excellent comments. The direct link to the CBS News article "Why Obama's Iran Policy Will Fail" is

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/29/opinion/main5449495.shtml

The key point point of the article is that the Obama administration remains stuck in "Bush Mode," continuing its belligerent attitude towards Iran and constantly adding more sanctions. How can you negotiate with someone when you alone can decide what the outcome should be and you are stabbing them in the back at the same time. The "smart sanctions" advocated by Mr. Pahlavi will only make things worse.

[Suzie Soltani]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45tPwizS4r8

"baby steps" Sir? A picture speaks a thousand words.....do these look like a people taking "baby steps" towards democracy? Or a people taking giant, courageous leaps.....you are advocating we read articles and continue to do business, even more business, with the butchers of Tehran? Et tu Mr. Chamberlain? No thank you.....some of us can recognize the heros of history when we see them and recognize our responsibility.

You read and appease all you want....we want to act in support of the sons and daughters of Iran who physically throw themselves in front of batons in support of each other. The least we can do is to not lend comfort and support to their enemies.

[Quinterius]

Beating of woman demonstrators is regrettable. However, such behavior is not uncommon in most totalitarian states and even in the US there are many instances of police brutality. You can find many instances of US police beating people on the net (remember Rodney King?). Under the Bush "rendition" policy many suspects were tortured whether they will guilty or not and some were killed. Under Mr. Pahlavi's father's rule, the SAVAK secret police tortured and killed numerous people. The issue under consideration here is what the policy of the US should be towards a sovereign country. Sanctions and saber rattling will not change the behavior of another country. Change has to come from within. Threats only harden the determination of the people and the government. Cuba has resisted 50 years of sanctions. That should be lesson for everyone.

[wereeverywhere]

"Iran has a taken a baby step toward democracy by ousting the autocratic monarchy and creating a representative system with many flaws yet to be resolved."

No. The revolution to rid the Shah got hijacked by the clerical hard line so that in the Islamic Iranian Republic the Iranians get a heavy dose of imposed Islam with a Republic that's estranged from democracy. Instead of some evolution taking place the IRI has become more reliant on its police forces than ever before.

[maryamsecondi2]

This is a very intelligent approach to the Iran problem that does not require military engagement. We must help the people of Iran achieve their goals. They have and will continue to pay with their lives. The international community should support them.

[sadi]

The most sensible assessment out there. no one says it better. Thank you Mr. Pahlavi. You have shown that all Iranians can be united today for a common goal... and we are taking heed of your words. We'll all do our part... It's good to see you are doing yours.

[BeachBoy66]

The news reports out of Iran today clearly show that the freedom movement is alive and well and using every opportunity to express itself. However, the regime's total control of all arms of the state and media, and the basijis embedded at the street level, make it impossible for the freedom movement to flourish without overt (and perhaps covert) support from freedom-loving people around the world. Mr. Pahlavi is right to raise international awareness of the plight of his fellow Iranians, and I hope more people and governments listen to his guidance.

[lastpost]

“If the U.S. supports the Iranian people in their struggle for democracy”
perhaps Iran will support U.S. people in their struggle for democracy?

“democracy itself.”
Do you mean true Democracy itself?

“the European Parliament”
with their unelected President?

“a democratic system of government, which by definition will be transparent, responsible and accountable” (to the people)
Not like any current democracy then?

If the leader/s of Iran (or any other nation for that matter) truly believe that their understanding is the one and only true understanding. Then why would they choose not to test that truth? Surely it will be proven unchallengeable, when subjected to challenge? Unless, by deliberately impeding examination, they elect to concede the vulnerability of their own personal illusion.

Ask the question, for which no answer other than suppression exists.

[Khirad]

(1) a more vociferous support for the Green Movement's legitimate calls for human rights and democracy

But, this has to be done right.

Iranian Greens are not Revolutionaries
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2009/10/greens-are-not-revolutionaries.html

And sanctioning the leadership? Like how? That's a fantasy. I would love it, but it already survives on the black market to a great deal anyway. Okay, perhaps in regards software used to censor and track down dissenters, and things like that, but it cuts both ways. There might also be less access to such technology, which though overblown by the US media, was nevertheless important in getting information out. All I'm saying is, there are no easy answers.

[sohrabazadeh]

Wow, it's amazing how Mr. Reza Pahlavi is trying to inform the world of the internal problems in Iran and the right way of dealing with them, at the same time, the solutions towards achieving democracy and freedom for the people of Iran which could ultimately make the world a more peaceful place! I just hope the world is listening!?!? It's also great to see the unity that he's trying to creat among Iranians inside and outside of Iran, i hope that they are listening to him as well!?
I've never lived in his father's times 30 yrs ago in Iran, although there has been many things out there being said about Pahlavis...as i hear more of Mr. Reza Pahlavi now and hear his father 30 yrs ago and his grandfather way before that, then read the past history of Iran and compare it with the present political situation of every where in the world, i realized that i've become a true fan of him and his family...Great "Politicians" i've ever seen in my life!! i hope he gets the chance to become more active directly in Iran's affairs very soon!! He's the only TRUE VOICE of the Iranian people that we have out there in the international community today!! Thanks for defending and fighting for our rights Mr. Pahlavi and good luck to u!

[idiocr4cy]

Has Mr. Pahlavi listened to the voices of the people in Iran? The Iranian activists inside Iran? They are saying that the human rights funding do nothing to help promote democracy in Iran. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8315120.stm

[serenity11]

But we are not going to wait for the US and international community to give us our democracy. We would appreciate them not giving a life line to the dictators of our country.

See you at 7 Tir SQ at 10:30 today.

We will get our secular democracy and as a Green that is much more than Mousavi is asking for.

[BeachBoy66]

Reza Pahlavi is saying all the right things. This is a man who is clearly an authority on how to help Iranians move forward - and on how the world can help Iranians move forward together. I've been listening to him and reading his op-eds and he looks like the man for the job. Good luck to him.

[Quinterius]

Nothing will happen as long as the US and other major countries in the West are obsessed with the nuclear issue. Once this obsession is dropped and normal interaction with Iran is enabled, support for the democracy movement can be realized. Otherwise, even targeted sanctions are not going to accomplish anything. They will only make the ruling elite more paranoid and will lead to further repression of the democracy movement.

[Elizabeth Krill]

Point well made. That appears to be why the author makes a case for supporting democracy. Granted "rea-politik," points to the obsession with the nuke issue, but it would be ethically wrong and politcally imprudent to discount the Iranian people. I just think they are fed up! And may just take things into their own hands. Tomorrow (Nov 4) should tell us a lot.

[babak2500]

Thank you Mr. Reza Pahlavi for your efforts and fight for Democracy in Iran. I love the part "There is a reason protesters hold signs written in English on the streets in Iran. They are not just practicing their language skills!". I hope President Obamma will finally get this message.

Prince Reza Cyrus Pahlavi, I salute you. Long live Democracy, Long live Iran.